New Companies Step Up To Harness The Power Of The Waves

New Companies Step Up To Harness The Power Of The Waves

The prize is the power of the waves.

Renewable energy technology extends into so many different types of possible sources for power. Some of them like biofuel and biomass rely on stored energy from the sun. Burning these bio-products enter the CO2 into what is known as the carbon cycle to produce a net zero emission. Another advantage of this however is that it can be used at anytime of day or season.

Other such clean energy options such as wind and solar energy derive their power from what is produced from the sun at that moment. The short coming for these wonderful forms of energy is their inherantly intermittant nature.

Measuring the power of the waves.

Measuring the potential energy of the waves

Tidal and wave energy on the other hand, offer a continous source of predictable power for the world. The waves move 24 hrs a day and the tides move with clocklike predictability. The challenge is that any device designed to harness this free energy must be able withstand the rigors of life at sea.

Measuring the power of the waves

In this Canadian press made video, they talk about the opportunities of wave energy as well as the challenges of harnessing it. There have been numerous attempts to produce a robust wave energy device that have ended in failure. Like all failures however, it is a stepping stone to success.

New companies are stepping up to the challenge on the backs of what was learned from earlier failures. Will these companies succeed or will we need decades more in development and testing time?

Let us know you comments, both on the video and the technology or the power of the waves. We love to hear from our readers.

Thanks to CBC news.

About Gordon SmithGordon's expertise in the area of industrial energy efficiency and alternative energy. He is an experienced electrical engineer with a Masters degree in Alternative Energy technology. He is the co-founder of several renewable energy media sites including Solar Thermal Magazine.